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Gloucester Cathedral blessed with new solar panels

On Monday 21 November, the Very Reverend Stephen Lake, Dean of Gloucester switched on Gloucester Cathedral’s new solar panels for the first time. By doing so, the Cathedral – which is almost 1,000 years old - has become the oldest building of its type in the world to generate its own energy from solar technology.

Time lapse footage for the solar panel installation is available here: https://vimeo.com/192447788

This ground-breaking venture is part of a £6m project (Project Pilgrim) supported by a £4.6m grant from the Heritage Lottery Fund (HLF) to conserve and improve areas of the Cathedral for visitors.

To mark the occasion, the Dean blessed the panels from the 100 foot high nave roof and the Cathedral’s famous tower was illuminated green. A celebratory reception was also held to thank supporters of the project.

Dean Stephen said:

“Gloucester Cathedral has a great tradition for combining the old with the new. By embracing this very modern technology, we are celebrating God’s gift of creation and making this remarkable building a greener and more sustainable place for future generations.
We are fortunate to have received overwhelming support for the project and are incredibly grateful to the Heritage Lottery Fund and all the individuals who donated to help make it possible.”

Watch the time-lapse video of the solar panel installation on Gloucester Cathedral.

Stephen Boyce, Chair of the Heritage Lottery Fund South West Committee said:

“In continuous use since the 11th Century, Gloucester Cathedral has truly stood the test of time, standing witness to numerous inventions and technologies over the centuries. So it’s fantastic to see that, thanks to National Lottery players, the Cathedral has incorporated one of those technologies into what promises to be a bright – and green – future for the much-loved landmark. We’re delighted to support Project Pilgrim and look forward to celebrating its continuing success.”

The Right Reverend Nicholas Holtam, Bishop of Salisbury, Church of England's lead bishop for Environmental Affairs and Chair of the Environmental Working Group said:

“Sometimes the environmental challenges facing us can seem insurmountable but this outstanding project at Gloucester Cathedral will act as a beacon for others, renewing our hope and energising everyone who cares for our common home. They are a great encouragement to the wider Church.”

Ben Harrison, managing partner of Mypower, said:

“From the first moment I stepped onto the roof of this incredible building, I knew it was going to be a challenging but thrilling project to be involved in. Everyone has worked together in full cohesion to deliver a common goal, to protect the historic building and create a green energy source for the long-term sustainable future of the Cathedral. We are all incredibly proud of what has been achieved - it has been the opportunity of a lifetime.”